Proclamation 7537 of April 1, 2002 National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every child deserves to be cared for by parents who provide love, protection, and nurturing. Safe and healthy childhoods help produce confident and successful adults. When parents are unable to meet their responsibilities, the consequences are tragic for their children and for society. "Nationwide, reports show that more than 879,000 children are victims of child abuse and neglect and approximately 1,200 children die from maltreatment, many at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them. Children who are abused and neglected often carry the effects of their experiences into adulthood. They are much more likely to experience problems with substance abuse, depression, learning disabilities, and to engage in criminal activities and violence against others, including abuse of their own children. The societal effects of child abuse include the need for increased child welfare services, special education resources, physical and emotional health care services, and juvenile justice facilities. My Administration is committed to promoting effective policies that protect children from harm while strengthening and supporting families. Promoting healthy marriages, and teaching responsible fatherhood and motherhood, are key priorities of my Administration. Last year, I worked with the Congress to provide an additional $70 million for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, which is helping States ensure children's safety, permanency, and well-being. This program is designed to strengthen families at risk and prevent abuse and neglect. My 2003 budget includes a substantial increase of $130 million for this essential program. The problem of child abuse requires a continuing national commitment, and we must remain vigilant in working to provide safety and security to each young person in our society. Government alone cannot prevent child abuse. Child abuse prevention requires partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, faith-based and community-based organizations, schools, law enforcement, and social service agencies. All of these organizations must work together with parents to protect children and help build healthy families and communities where children can reach their potential. Every April, communities across the country join to raise public awareness about child abuse, to provide information about how to prevent it, and to assist families in need of support, recovery, and encouragement. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to find ways to cherish our children, and strengthen our families. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2002 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by supporting the hard work of those who en sure our children's safety, and by playing an active role in creating a safer, healthier environment for our children's growth. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7538 of April 4, 2002 National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our Nation's history, patriotic Americans have responded to the call to defend our freedoms. During war and peace, American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have stood vigilant, prepared, and willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect our Nation. We owe the liberties we have today to their brave service. Americans who bear the title "Former Prisoner of War" are national heroes. Their service to our country placed them in dire circumstances, causing their capture and imprisonment by our country's enemies. These heroes suffered great adversity and sacrificed much for freedom and for the future of America. This year, as we remember our former prisoners of war (POWs), we also mark the 60th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Many of the American soldiers who defended Corregidor, until they were overwhelmed by enemy forces, never made it to prison camp. Many were killed outright, and many died after enduring unspeakable horrors. For those who survived the march, the war entered a new phase: the struggle against their captors. By enduring tremendous hardships and humiliations, and in gallantly supporting their fellow prisoners, these Americans exemplified the best of our Nation's spirit. The families of POWs also spent long, lonely years without knowing whether they would ever see their loved ones again. As we remember our former POWs, we must also remember their families and friends who suffered along with them. Our Nation must never forget their courage. Today, former POWs from across America work to assist their former comrades and their families to cope with the painful memories of the suffering that life as a POW inflicted. These courageous heroes have important and powerful stories to share, which can and should serve as an inspiration to succeeding generations. Through these efforts, former POWs have established a simple but enduring legacy, which ensures that their heroism and that of their fallen or missing comrades will not be forgotten. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we recognize the sacrifice of our former POWs and remember with honor their heroism. We also pledge that we will work to ensure that future generations will understand and appreciate the courage and contributions of these selfless heroes. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2002, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to join me in remembering former American prisoners of war by honoring the memory of their sacrifices. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7539 of April 10, 2002 National D.A.R.E. Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Illegal drugs are the enemy of ambition and hope, destroying individual lives and undermining the health of our communities. In addition to the tragic consequences of drug use for Americans and their families, the drug trade supports terrorist networks that threaten our country and our allies around the world. When we fight the war on drugs, we also fight the war on terror. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) curriculum plays an important role in helping our young people understand the many reasons to avoid drugs. D.A.R.E. is a series of lessons, taught by speciallytrained police officers, that encourages students to live healthy, drugfree lives. According to the University of Akron Institute for Health and Social Policy, the program operates in 80 percent of our school districts, reaching 26 million young people in America each year. In addition to promoting the right decisions about drugs, D.A.R.E. helps build relationships among parents, teachers, law enforcement officers, and others interested in preventing drug use in their communities. My Administration is committed to keeping the fight against drugs among our Nation's top priorities. I have proposed new goals for our country, including a 10 percent reduction in teenage and adult drug use over the next 2 years, and a 25 percent reduction over 5 years. My National Drug Control Strategy is a community-based approach, incorporating three core principles: (1) stopping drug use before it starts; (2) healing America's drug users; and (3) disrupting the market for drugs in our country. In addition, my 2003 budget proposes $19.2 billion for drug control. This includes $3.8 billion for drug treatment and research, an increase of more than 6 percent over 2002. Drugs attack everything that is best about our country, robbing Americans, young and old, and their families of dignity and character. Today, we recognize D.A.R.E. as a critical part in our effort to teach young people how to avoid drug use and the devastating effects that drugs can inflict upon their health and on their future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 11, 2002, as National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon youth, parents, educators, and all Americans to observe this day by joining the fight against drugs in your communities. I also encourage our citizens to express appreciation for the law enforcement officers, volunteers, and others who work to help young people avoid the dangers of drug use. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7540 of April 12, 2002 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Pan America comprises a set of regional relationships that connects the ments cannot be democracies in name only, but must build upon the guiding principles of our time and struggle to ensure the preservation of essential civil liberties. Pan America's unprecedented spirit of cooperation bodes well for the 2004 Summit of the Americas, when we will have the opportunity to review our progress and renew commitments to enhancing hemispheric relationships. Communication, trade, travel, and advances in technology have all combined to produce unprecedented levels of integration and interdependence in the Western Hemisphere. And our continued efforts toward a Free Trade Area of the Americas exemplify our commitment to building a legal framework that opens the way to selfsustaining and wide-ranging prosperity. The free exchange of ideas and goods brings a unique vitality to our region, and serves as a catalyst for continuing economic development at the local and national levels. This past year provided sobering evidence that our freedoms are not free. We must continue to work together as a unified community to support and defend all peoples that are denied their rights and privileges by governments that fail to respect the essential elements of democracy and human rights. In countering the threats of tyranny, poverty, and lawlessness, our collective goal must be to further the partnership we share as standard bearers of a bold vision. By working together to promote democracy, free trade, economic prosperity, effective governance, and human rights, we will keep the new Pan American spirit of freedom and cooperation alive and well for generations to come. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 14, 2002, as Pan American Day and April 14 through April 20, 2002, as Pan American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of other areas under the flag of the United States of America to honor these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7541 of April 12, 2002 Jewish Heritage Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Throughout our Nation's history, America has benefited from a greatly diverse population, comprising a vibrant mix of ideas, religions, national origins, and ethnic backgrounds. And from this mix, we have inherited a Nation based on democratic principles, free enterprise, and the freedom to pursue a better way of life. |